"A lot of time, the development itself or the developer will run into complications," company spokeswoman Katie Mitchell said. "Unfortunately, no one knows the name of the developer. They only know the name of one of the anchor stores, which happens to be us."

Bass Pro Shops cater primarily to hunters and fishermen – they stock everything from hiking clothes and fishing boats to bird feeders and camping equipment – and the company said the Triangle is home to the nation's sixth largest community of anglers.

Mitchell said Bass Pro Shops expect 2 million to 3 million shoppers a year at the Cary location.

John Jones said the prospect of not having to drive to Concord, where the only other Bass Pro Shops store in North Carolina is located, has him hooked as a customer.

"I'm always interested in the new stuff that's out, and they've got a great variety of product," Jones said. "Without my wife knowing, at least monthly I'll stop by just to see what's going on."